Troopers investigating after missing 82-year-old woman found dead

DECOY, Ky. – The Kentucky State Police says it is investigating after a missing 82-year-old woman was found dead in Knott County.

According to the agency, troopers began a missing person investigation that started in the late evening of Thursday, Oct. 29 following the discovery of an abandoned vehicle in the Decoy community of Knott County.

Authorities say during the search the following day, the remains of 82-year-old Patricia Leighton of Elyria, Ohio were found several hundred yards from the abandoned vehicle.

A preliminary investigation found Leighton, who suffered from dementia, became disoriented and abandoned her car when it became inoperable, troopers say.

Leighton was pronounced dead on scene by Knott County Coroner’s Office. No foul play is suspected at this time, authorities say. Autopsy and toxicology results are pending.

This incident remains under investigation.